"But don't start at base camp then come back and go up and down ... have a look at what you really need, analyse other clubs, analyse international clubs.

"It needs to be broken down into so many facets, but it will never start with just the coach ... it's got to be the club itself."

While Malthouse is an advocate for change at board level, he went in to bat for football director Chris Judd, who was part of the committee that hired Bolton and has copped sharp criticism since his sacking.

"I coached Juddy, he's very passionate and knows the game," he said.

"He'd be the bloke I'd be keeping on.

"But I don't know a lot about the others."

President Mark LoGiudice was adamant the club hadn't spoken to anyone about the job when he addressed media on Monday.

Recently-departed North Melbourne coach Brad Scott, Fremantle's Ross Lyon and former Blues coach Ratten have been touted as candidates.

As caretaker coach, David Teague will get the opportunity to audition for the permanent role for the rest of the season, with untried assistant coaches like Scott Burns and Sam Mitchell also highly regarded.

"It's a very difficult job for a young coach," Malthouse said.

"If a young coach goes in there he needs to have an experienced advisor next to him.

"The best way to do it would be with someone who has got the experience, the toughness and hardness of being a senior coach previously.

"Someone who knows the ups and downs, has taken a few on the chin and kept on getting up because there's no easy way.

"I'm not saying that you can't do it with an assistant coach (without senior coaching experience) but it's about who sits next to him and helps him."